FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 8, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573) 751-0290
Governor Announces Major Hurricane Actions
Encourages Hurricane Victims to Register
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt and Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will govern the Missouri National Guard members serving in Louisiana in response to Hurricane Katrina.
"I am proud of the almost 2,000 Missouri guard members working to help the gulf coast region recover from this horrible disaster," Blunt said. "I will continue to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and impacted states to ensure we are doing all we can to help those suffering from the impact of this devastating hurricane."
The MOU gives Missouri National Guard members full power, authority and immunity while serving in Louisiana and allows for greater cooperation with Guard units from other states.
Gov. Blunt also encourages displaced Americans who may come to Missouri, Mississippi and Louisiana as part of the federal evacuation effort as well as the 4,100 that have self-evacuated to the state to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by phone at 800-621-FEMA or online at www.FEMA.gov to register. Registering activates emergency services from the federal government.
Missourians interested in providing assistance should contact Missouri’s State Emergency Management Association (SEMA) by phone at (888) 526-6664 or online at
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